Anaheim Ducks vs. Los Angeles Kings not just about speed vs. strength

The task for each game will be simple and yet complex. The Kings must neutralize the Ducks’ speed and eliminate their skill with physical play and a relentless dedication to their more methodical style. The Ducks must utilize their speed to offset the Kings’ suffocating pressure.

It’s easier said than done.

Each team has strengths and weaknesses that aren’t as true as conventional wisdom suggests. The Kings aren’t plow horses, for instance. The Ducks aren’t afraid of contact, for example. The Kings have skilled players who can make opponents look bad. The Ducks can rattle a few molars.

The Kings and Ducks meet tonight at the Honda Center and again Saturday at Dodger Stadium with a good deal at stake. The Kings (29-16-6, third in the Pacific Division) have lost three in a row. The Ducks (37-10-5, first overall in the NHL) have lost two of their last three.

Neither game is must-win, although it’s obvious each team wants both games. After all, two wins could propel the Kings back into the division race. The Kings are 15 points behind the Ducks, who want to prove they can win against their bruising, battled-tested rivals.

“Obviously, there is no weakness in their game,” Ducks right wing Teemu Selanne said of the Kings. “Everything you get, you have to earn it. It’s almost like a playoff game. They are probably the best team in the league with playoff experience. It’s not very often they’re going to have bad moments.

“It’s not like they’re going to have three bad minutes and give up three goals. They’re very solid. Same hand, if they get down by a couple of goals, they just keep coming. ... I don’t think there’s dislike. There’s just a challenge to be better. You have to bring your ‘A’ game if you want to win.

“Very special games.”

Said Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau: “Their record may not indicate it points-wise that they’re the best team we face, but I firmly believe that they are our toughest opposition. I mean, there are a lot of other great teams, don’t get me wrong. But those guys are, to me, the best.”

Ducks, Sharks, Kings

The three California teams are first, second and third in the Pacific standings

“California used to be a friendly place to come and play, but it’s not like that anymore,” Selanne said. “You’ve got to be ready here. At least one time you’ve got to have the Ducks and Kings play in the playoffs. It was so close, so close, last year.”

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The Kings and Ducks have never met in the postseason, but almost did last season. The Kings survived a withering battle with the physical St. Louis Blues in the first round, but the Ducks lost a seven-game test of wills with the Detroit Red Wings.

Penner update

Boudreau said he scratched Dustin Penner for the Ducks’ 3-2 loss Tuesday to the Winnipeg Jets so the left wing would have a little extra spring in his step for the games against the Kings, his former team. Penner has 26 points, including 11 goals, in 40 games with the Ducks this season.